Watch a Caterpillar Turn

Everybody loves watching a butterfly flutter from flower to flower. Although, to become a butterfly, these creatures must go through a dramatic process. From land creatures to friends of flight, they truly are amazing. Help your children explore their world by learning a little more about caterpillars and butterflies by encouraging them to watch them turn. It really is a simple project but something your child is sure to remember fondly as an adult. Let’s get started...

Materials Needed

- Glass Jar with Lid
- Something Sharp to Poke Holes in Lid
- Plants for Food
- Caterpillars
- Magnifying Glass

Instructions

To get started, you need to locate some caterpillars. After all, they are the “main event” in this upcoming show! Look around in your yard, in a park or take a stroll in the countryside. Damaged leaves on plants may signal where they will be. If you have problems finding these magnificent creatures, plant a host plant like dill and you will have a caterpillar in no time! Once you have your caterpillar, make sure to collect some of the plant it is living on, as it will need it for food to survive. Next, you need to locate a glass jar; a mason jar works well. Poke several holes in the lid as the caterpillar needs oxygen to live. Place your caterpillar and plant material in the jar. It is important to remember to check the jar each day to ensure the caterpillar(s) have enough food and that it is fresh. Now, it’s pretty much a waiting game for nature to take it’s course. As the caterpillars get bigger, some may shed their skin. After awhile, they will turn into a chrysalis, protected in their cocoon before emerging as a butterfly. Once the fluttering creature emerges, release them into your garden. Truly amazing!

This and That

- Be cautious of hairy caterpillars as the hairs may irritate your skin.
- In some cases, the caterpillar may not pupate but will turn into a mass of “worms.” These are the larvae of parasitic insects which inject their eggs into moth and butterfly caterpillars. This may be a good time to discuss the complex, interrelated web of life that exists.
- Some pupae may be from a species that has special needs and may not hatch out. Some need soil, for example.
- The distinction between moths and butterflies isn’t clear cut. A good rule of thumb is that butterflies have clubbed antennae and moths have hair-like feathery antennae.